John Adams to Abigail Adams

[dateline] Philadelphia May 28. 1777

An horrid cold Day for Election—warm work however, in the Afternoon, I suppose.1

You will see by the inclosed Papers, among the Advertisements, how the Spirit of Manufacturing
grows. There never was a Time when there was such full Employment, for every Man,
Woman and Child, in this City. Spinning, Knitting, Weaving, every Tradesman is as
full as possible. Wool and Flax in great Demand.

Industry will supply our Necessities, if it is not cramped by injudicious Laws—such
as Regulations of Prices &c., Embargoes &c. These discourage Industry and turn that
Ingenuity which ought to be employed for the general Good, into Knavery.

1. That is, in the election, by the new House of Representatives, voting jointly with
the members of the old Council, of a new council.

“Yesterday was our Election of Councellors: a large Number of the Representatives,
perhaps 20 or 30 from Hampshire, Berkshire &c. would not vote, being for a single
Assembly. I hope this Sentiment will not prevail. They could chuse no more than thirteen
by nine o'Clock; and then adjourn'd to this Morning” (Samuel Cooper to JA, 29 May, Adams Papers).